Business Loans for UK SMEs — Fast and Flexible Funding
Finding the right business loan can be what makes the difference for your small or medium-sized business. Whether you’re looking to grow, manage cash flow, or invest in new equipment and staff, we’re here to help you access the funding you need.
Takes 2 minutes. No impact on your credit score.
What Is a Business Loan?
A business loan is a sum of money borrowed by a business - with the agreement to repay it over a set period, along with interest. Unlike personal finance, SME business finance is specifically designed for business growth and business needs. It provides the capital required for various purposes but understanding the different types of UK business loans available is the first step towards finding the right finance for your needs.
Healthcare Sector
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Unsecured Finance
Invoice Finance
Our Solutions
How Much Can I Borrow?
Typically, businesses can access funding between £5,000 and £500,000+, depending on several factors. The amount you can borrow for your business loan will depend on:
Your business’s current and projected income.
The length of time your business has been operating.
Your business’s credit rating.
Different loan types have varying borrowing limits.
Who Is It For?
Invoice finance can be helpful for a wide range of UK-based SMEs, particularly those that:
Issue invoices to other businesses (B2B) with payment terms of 30, 60, 90 days or more.
Are experiencing rapid growth and need capital to support increased sales.
Operate in seasonal industries with fluctuating cash flow.
Are looking for a flexible funding solution that scales with their turnover.
Common sectors that benefit from invoice finance include:
Logistics and transportation
Manufacturing companies
Recruitment agencies
Recruitment agencies
Wholesale and distribution
If you’re facing challenges with delayed customer payments and need to improve business cash flow, invoice finance offers a practical way to keep your business running and afloat.
Who Can Apply?
To apply for a business loan through Lewis Hullin, you generally need to meet the following criteria:
Your business is based in the UK.
You operate as a sole trader, limited company (Ltd), or limited liability partnership (LLP).
Your business has been trading for at least 6 months, or you are
a startup with strong financial forecasts.
You have an acceptable credit history (we may help even with
less-than-perfect credit).
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Common Loan Uses
A SME loan can help your business thrive. Here are some common ways our clients use funding:
Bridge gaps in income.
Purchase stock and inventory to meet customer demand.
Expand staff numbers to support growth.
Open new locations, enter new markets, or scale up.
Invest in essential machinery, technology, or vehicles.
How It Works
You issue an invoice
Once you’ve provided goods or services to your B2B customer, you send them an invoice as usual.
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A lender advances you funds:
You submit a copy of the invoice to the invoice finance provider. They will then advance you a significant percentage (typically 80-95%) of the invoice value within 24-48 hours.
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Your customer pays the lender (or you, depending on the type
Invoice factoring - your customer pays the finance provider directly.
Invoice discounting - your customer pays you, and you then forward the funds to the finance provider.
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You receive the remaining balance (minus fees)
You receive the remaining balance (minus fees) and once the invoice is paid, the lender will release the remaining balance to you, minus their agreed fees for the service.
Types of Asset Finance
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Hire Purchase
Hire the asset over a set period, making regular payments. Once all payments have been made, you own the asset outright. This is a good option if you want to build
equity in the asset.
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Finance Lease
Allows you to use the asset for the majority of its useful life by paying regular rental payments. You don’t own the asset at the end of the agreement, but you may have the option to extend the lease or sell the asset.
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Operating Lease
Typically a shorter-term agreement for the use of an asset. The rental payments are usually lower than with a finance lease, and the asset is returned to the finance company at the end
of the term.
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Asset Refinance
If you already own assets outright, refinance allows you to release the capital tied up in them. You essentially sell the asset to a finance company and then lease it back.
Invoice Finance vs Other Funding Options
Feature | Invoice Finance | Business Loan | Overdraft |
|---|---|---|---|
Factoring involves the finance provider managing your existing sales forecast and credit control, while discounting allows you to maintain this control. Factoring can free up more of your time but may not be suitable if you prefer to manage customer relationships directly. Discounting offers confidentiality but requires you to have a robust credit control system.
Benefits of Asset Finance
Asset finance lets you access equipment or vehicles with minimal upfront cost, keeping your cash flow strong.
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Avoid large upfront payments and spread the cost of essential assets over manageable instalments.
Budget more effectively with predictable, regular payments.
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Many equipment finance agreements offer fixed interest rates, making budgeting easier.
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Acquire the latest technology and machinery without waiting to save for the full purchase price.
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Depending on the type of asset finance, payments may be tax-deductible.
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Agreements can often be suited to your business’s cash flow and seasonal variations.
Why Choose Lewis Hullin?
When you’re looking for SME business finance, you need a partner you can trust. Here's why UK businesses choose Lewis Hullin:
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Independent & FCA-Registered
Regulated and trustworthy financial
services
Panel of 25+ UK Lenders
Access to extensive lending network
Transparent Advice
Jargon-free, clear communication
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Quick Decisions
24–72 hours response time
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5-Star Service
Excellent testimonials and reviews
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Personal Support
Dedicated relationship management
How to Apply
Getting started with your business loan application is straight forward:
Just submit your enquiry online with our quick and easy online form. We’ll then identify the best business loans for your needs and you can compare options and select the one that suits you best.
Once approved, the funds are typically transferred to your account quickly.
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Why Choose Lewis Hullin?
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, you can receive funds within 24–72 hours of approval, depending on the lender and loan type.
Yes, lenders will typically perform credit checks as part of the application process.
Common documents include bank statements, financial forecasts (for startups), and proof of business registration.
A secured loan requires you to offer an asset as collateral, while an unsecured business loan does not.
We work with lenders who may offer options for businesses with less-than-perfect credit.
Loan terms and fees vary by lender.
What Our Clients Say
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James Mitchell
Manufacturing Ltd
"Lewis Hullin helped us secure £150,000 to expand our operations. The process was smooth and professional."
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David Wilson
Retail Business
"Professional team who understood our needs. Highly recommend for any business looking for funding."
Sarah Thompson
Tech Startup
"Excellent service and competitive rates. They found us the perfect funding solution within 48 hours."